Saturday, June 18, 2011, 8 PM

About Shakuhachi Solstice Celebration
Celebrate the longest days of the year with the ancient sounds of the shakuhachi, the Japanese bamboo flute. Enjoy solo traditional Zen Buddhist music, and music for shakuhachi chorus as bamboo players surround the audience in glorious harmony. James Nyoraku Schlefer and friends connect the sounds of the earth with the permanence of the heavens. Celebrate the longest days of the year with the ancient sounds of the shakuhachi, the Japanese bamboo flute. Enjoy solo traditional Zen Buddhist music, and music for shakuhachi chorus as bamboo players surround the audience in glorious harmony. Grand Master James Nyoraku Schlefer and friends connect the sounds of the earth with the permanence of the heavens.
Traditional solo pieces from the centuries old Zen Buddhist repertoire will be performed as well as modern music for shakuhachi choir. The concert showcases Grand Master Riley Lee, from Australia, in a rare New York appearance. There will also be original music by James Nyoraku Schlefer, including a world premiere and works for the ensemble of eight shakuhachi players.
This performance celebrates the summer solstice, the longest day of the year, and the music allows for personal reflection, meditation and inspiration. In the mid-1990's James Nyoraku Schlefer led an annual series of highly successful Winter Solstice concerts at St. Mark's church, and this performance continues that tradition with the wonderful acoustics and intimacy of the Tenri Cultural Institute.